San Francisco, California enjoys a mild winter climate with a maximum December temperature of 64 degrees F, but you'll likely need some waterproofs when you head outdoors for some active fun. San Francisco receives its highest rainfall in December to March, which becomes snow in the mountains. One of the advantages to enjoying San Francisco in the winter is that many hotels lower their rates and major attractions are far less crowded.
Climb the Coit Tower
One of the best ways to really see a city is from above and the Coit Tower delivers great views from its perch on top of Telegraph Hill in North Beach. Check out the murals inside the tower, painted in 1933 in the social-realism style of Diego Rivera, before heading to the top. If it's cold, you'll warm up with the brisk walk uphill from North Beach on Lombard Street then again on the journey down the 800 steps of the Telegraph Hill stairs.
Science Trip
Not just for science geeks or children, the Exploratorium in the Palace of Fine Arts in the Presidio is a great all-weather destination with an emphasis on hands-on science for all. You can learn how the body perceives images and sounds, discover how weather and electricity work, delve into the wonders of the brain and even blow giant soap bubbles. The tactile dome, a maze you must navigate by touch in the pitch black, is a highlight that has an extra admission charge.
Stadium Tours
AT&T Stadium is one of the most famous ballparks in the United States and occupies a prime spot on the San Francisco Bay. The stadium is home to the San Francisco Giants and most games are fully booked. If you can't get tickets, take a stadium tour instead. The behind-the-scenes tour takes in the dugouts, indoor batting cages, visitors' clubhouse and a view of the ballpark and the surrounding bay. Tours are available every day whatever the weather, except when day games are being played.
Stretch Your Body
If you can choose anywhere to practice the ancient art of yoga, San Francisco is one of the best with numerous classes, private lessons and retreats on offer in the city. San Francisco offers weekend rejuvenation workshops, candlelight yoga, heated Bikram yoga and classical yoga among others. Yoga is effective for increasing flexibility and lubrication in the joints, toning the muscles, massaging the organs and detoxifying the body--just the thing to chase away the winter blues.
Indoor Climbing
If the weather´s bad, head indoors to one of San Francisco´s climbing walls or gyms. Suitable for beginners and experienced outdoor climbers, San Francisco climbing facilities offer roped walls and bouldering areas of varying degrees of difficulty. Mission Cliffs offer 14,000 square feet of wall area and reaches a height of 50 feet with 40 top ropes and lead routes and a bouldering wall. Planet Granite has climbing and bouldering and Touchstone Climbing operates six indoor rock climbing gyms in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
What To Expect
Take care if you are driving in heavy rain since the roads can get slippery and the downpours may trigger mudslides. The weather in San Francisco is unpredictable from neighborhood to neighborhood; when one area is enjoying sunshine the other can get foggy. Your best bet is to always carry a coat and an umbrella, no matter how the day starts out.
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